In Pyongyang, negotiations are underway between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
During the talks with Putin, Kim expressed that the government of North Korea "fully supports and stands in solidarity with the Russian government, army, and people in carrying out the special military operation," referring to the war in Ukraine. According to Kim, the war is ongoing "to defend sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity."
Putin, in his remarks, recalled the historical ties between Russia and North Korea, including the involvement of Soviet pilots in the Korean War of 1950-53. He also criticized the United States and praised Pyongyang again for its support of Russia in the war in Ukraine.
Before this visit, Putin had thanked North Korea for its "strong support" in Russia's war against Ukraine.
After the delegation talks, Putin and Kim reportedly continued their conversation one-on-one, following which they signed a strategic partnership agreement. Putin emphasized that this agreement would serve as the "foundation of our relations for the long term."
Putin arrived in the North Korean capital in the evening of June 18. This is his second visit to the country; the first was in 2000. Kim Jong Un personally greeted him at the airport.
The leaders embraced several times on the red carpet and then extended invitations to each other to enter the limousine first. Russian flags and portraits of Putin were displayed on the streets of Pyongyang.
According to South Korea and Western countries, North Korea started substantial supplies of weapons and ammunition from Russia last year for use in the war against Ukraine. This constitutes a violation of international sanctions against North Korea, which Russia has committed to uphold. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the allegations of weapons supply.
